NORTH Petherton Town Council has given its backing to a new community hub for Wilstock and Stockmoor, agreeing in principle to contribute £150,000 toward the project.

The Wilstock Hub would act as a central connecting point for the new estates between Bridgwater and North Petherton, and would offer activities for all ages, aim to improve health and wellbeing, provide a nursery, community garden and support the advancement of education, training and support for residents.

The total cost of the project is expect to be in the region of £1.14m, with the town council being the first major funder to agree funding, which it is hoped will persuade other funders to give their backing to the scheme.

The Wisltock Hub committee has already secured £10,000 of funding from the National Lottery's 'Awards for All' grant, and is seeking grants of £300,000 from the Hinkley C Community Impact Mitigation Fund, £250,00 from Power To Change, £10,000 from Bright Ideas and will be looking to put in a bid to Sport England as well.

Lucinda Spelman-Ives, committee member said it was fantastic news that North Petherton Town Council had taken the plunge and invested.

"A lot of potential funders have spoken positively about the project, but always ask 'who else has committed funding?'," Mrs Spelman-Ives said.

"Having this support from the town council should inspire confidence in the project and really get the ball rolling."

Mayor of North Petherton, Cllr Alan Bradford said: "I think it is good North Petherton Town Council is in a position to take a lead on this project.

"We have given our support and we hope others will follow.

"We have to treat this application the same as we would one in the centre of North Petherton.

Committee members of Wilstock Hub, who were also councillors, left the room during the meeting on Monday night, while other members discussed the proposal.

The remaining councillors agreed that the grant application would have to meet the same standards and due diligence that any other application.

For further information about the Wilstock Hub, visit wilstockhub.com.